We surveyed the web and scoured the recent The Running Event for the most unique and practical gifts for the runner in your life. Yes, shoes, shirts, and shorts are all great gifts for runners, but use this list to find unique running gadgets!

A Big Life Transition

Last year in April, Runbell moved from Tokyo, Japan to Portland, Oregon. The move was mostly motivated to have our children enter Kindergarten in America for an American education. As with all big changes in life, habits have had to be recreated.

My habit of running has been one of the casualties of the move and now I'm searching for the way back.

The Beginning of My Running Habit

I started running almost immediately after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake on March 11th. This giant earthquake taught me the importance of being in shape, and knowing directions. Immediately after the big earthquake the roads were clogged and the trains derailed. Walking, running or biking was the only way to get to and from work.

On March 18th, 2011 we moved apartments and my habit of running was born. I ran every morning. I ran home from work instead of taking the train. I entered races and got better and better. Running became deeply ingrained in my life and eventually led to the creation of Runbell as a necessary tool for my night runs from work.

How to Get Back into Running

Running has mostly been replaced with biking in my life now. I bike to the office every morning and bike home every night. I love biking. It's fast and easy to do every day both to and from work. The problem with biking is that it has replaced running, which I love more than biking. I need to be running at least three days a week - four days would be better.

Using the 3-R's of Habit Change

According to Charles Duhigg, every habit is controlled by the same 3-step pattern. I first read about this pattern from Charles' book, The Power of Habit.

Reminder (the trigger that initiates the behavior)

Routine (the behavior itself; the action you take)

Reward (the benefit you gain from doing the behavior)

Now how to apply these 3 R's to running? I've broken my habit into two categories: weekdays and weekends.

Weekday Running Routine

2. Routine - Easy. My run home from the office is a routine engrained from Tokyo. It's just how I get home.

3. Reward - I'll take the time on the train during my morning pre-run non-bike commute to read books. I'm currently reading The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau. I miss reading on the train.

Weekend Running Routine

1. Reminder - My new running partner, Tanken, asking to be taken for a morning run.

2. Routine - This one is harder. My son expects me to play with him in the morning. I'll have to sleep earlier and wake up earlier to be back in time for when he gets up.

3. Reward - A tired dog and a great start to the weekend.

Now getting my dog to be a good running partner is a work in progress. We'll cover that topic in another blog post!

What are some habits in your life and do the 3 R's apply to your running routine?

The Goal - A Race

Last and not least, of course, one more big motivation is a race to be training towards. Having a date with a target race time keeps me focused on an intermediate goal. Now to find some good summer runs in the Portland area. This blog post has some great tips for running a better, faster marathon.

Today we bring to you our review of Million Mile Lights. Funded on Kickstarter last year (we backed them), Million Mile Lights just went on sale earlier this year. Runbell met the team in person during The Running Event in Austin in December. The people behind the project are passionate runners and creative designers. Overall reviews so far have been extremely positive. We give them our highest rating as well.

What Are Million Mile Lights?

Million Million Lights (MML) are running lights for runners powered by motion, not batteries. They clip on to a belt (such as SPI Belt pictured below) or to shorts. The lights are perfect for early morning runs or evening runs, especially during the dark winter months.

The Specs

Battery free - always ready, never runs out

Wearable - clip on and run

Ultra bright - 30 Lum intensity with 200m visibility

Lightweight - only 2.5 inches tall 1.5 ounces

IPX4 Rating - Weatherproof and splashproof

Our Rating: 5 Stars!

Sensitive: We found the MML to be extremely sensitive to movement. A simple jog easily gets them lighting up. Even a slow walk gets them lighting up as well.

Durable: Unfortunately during our review and movie taking, I took a huge fall to the ground. My MML, my Runbell, and my body was unscratched. I finished my run normally. However, my winter gloves are now torn. So far MML is quite durable and can sustain a good fall.

Bright: The MML are not meant to illuminate the path ahead of you. They will not act as your torch through dark evening runs. They simply act as a way for walkers, other runners, bikers, and cars to see you. They certainly get the job done.

Light-weight: The MML weighs in at 1.4 ounces (40 grams). For reference, Runbell weighs in at 30 grams. Both are extremely light-weight.

Adaptable: With a simple clip on the side, the MML is easy to add to your SPI belt, Flip Belt or to your shorts.

Long Life: With no batteries to replace, your MML should just keep on working over the years. They come with a 5 year warranty from the manufacturer. They also aim for the MML to work for a million miles and hence the name Million Mile Lights. We did not test them for one million miles so cannot confirm...yet. Give us another 10 years and we will update here.

Running can be a joy, with the breeze in your hair, and trees and lampposts whizzing past in a blur of speed. It keeps you fit, and keeps you healthy. But if you are not careful, running can also be perilous. When you are out for a jog, make sure to follow these eight simple tips to keep yourself safe and make your excursion as enjoyable as possible.

1. Carry a Cell Phone

Always carry a cell phone with you on your runs. If you end up lost, injured, or disabled, a cell phone enables you to call for help. Make sure the battery is charged, and don’t count on having access to a public telephone. Phone booths are becoming rarer and rarer as cell phones become more common. Even if you can find a pay telephone, chances are it may not be operational.

2. Carry a Whistle

Carry a whistle or other noisemaker with you. It lets you signal for help if you find yourself in trouble. Should someone approach you in a threatening manner, you can create a loud, high-pitched noise that draws attention. With luck, the noise may even persuade an attacker to leave you alone.

3. Do Not Wear Headphones

Many runners enjoy listening to music as they jog. Yes, it is invigorating, and it helps to pass the time. However, headphones also impede your ability to hear what’s happening around you. Your eyes can only see what’s in front of you, while your ears receive signals from all directions. If you wear headphones, you might not hear the truck that turns the corner just as you step into its path.

4. Wear Reflective Gear

Always wear reflective gear, especially if you run at night, at dusk, or during the early morning. Dim light situations make you less visible than you think you are, and drivers may not see you amid all the bright streetlights and headlights on the road. Misty, foggy, or rainy conditions also make you hard to see, and shoe reflectors might be mistaken for light reflecting off puddles on the sidewalk. Therefore, be sure to wear reflective striping on your upper body and legs.

5. Carry Identification

Always carry identification with you in case an injury or sudden illness leaves you unconscious or unable to communicate. That way, police or medical professionals know who you are and can contact your family or friends. If you prefer not to carry a wallet, at least take a Sharpie and write your name, your contact information, your blood type, and any health issues on the inside sole of your athletic shoe. Road ID is also a good idea.

6. Tell Others Your Intended Route

Be sure to let others know which route you intend to take, so they know where to start looking if you do not return home as expected. If no one is home, leave a note or a voicemail.

7. Obey Traffic Signals

When running, always obey traffic signals. Never cross against a light when traffic has the right of way. Runners are smaller and harder to see than are cars, trucks, and SUVs. Moreover, many motorists are so busy concentrating on other vehicles they are not prepared for fast-moving pedestrians.

8. Use Runbell

Runbell is a sturdy, brass bell made especially for runners. With a flick of your thumb, Runbell lets you warn others of your presence with a bright, clear, ding! Whether you run on city streets or hiking trails, you are likely at some point to encounter other people, and such meetings sometimes end in collisions. With Runbell, you can politely signal your approach and give pedestrians time to move out of your way. When you ring the bell, dog walkers have time to control their dog, and dawdling bicyclists can speed up and leave you behind.

Runbell fits over two fingers and rests on the back of your hand, so it leaves your hands free for other uses. It comes in men’s and women’s sizes, and each comes with a couple of soft silicone inserts to adjust the sizing to fit anybody’s hand.

When you leave the house for a run, you never know what kind of hazards you might encounter. Play it safe. Make sure you keep all your senses engaged. Carry a cell phone, ID, and a whistle. Tell someone your intended route, or leave a note. Wear reflective gear to improve your visibility, obey all traffic signals, and carry Runbell with you to alert others to your presence and avoid painful collisions.